KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Today marks our first official day of spring! A time to welcome a season full of hope, joy, and positive growth as we reflect on all that we have to celebrate and honor at this time of year.
At our Principal chats/coffees this month our administrative teams focused on two key areas of interest for our KSD students - Engaging all Learners and Community Connections. Our sites shared strategies they have employed over the course of this year to support student learning and addressed ways we are cultivating a sense of inclusivity, safety, and belonging at our sites.
During the month of February our students, staff, and parents/guardians engaged in the YouthTruth survey to help further inform us about these areas by responding to questions relating to engagement, relationships, culture, academic challenge, belonging, and instructional methods. At our April 4th Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees a YouthTruth representative will join us to share the KSD’s survey results and how we may want to proceed with the feedback.
Take good care,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Important Safety Tips for Motorists and Cyclists
Download a PDF of the Board-approved 2023-2024 District Calendar.
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
- Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45-6 p.m., Kent Library
Monday, March 27, 2023
- LCAP Strategic Plan Advisory, 4-5 pm.
Wednesday, Mar 29, 2023
- Kent Full Day - Special Schedule - 3:28 p.m. Release
- Parent Education Event: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Dr. Lisa Damour, 6-7:30 p.m., View Flyer in English and Spanish., Zoom
Thursday, Mar 30, 2023
- Kent Open House, 6-7:30 p.m.
Friday, Mar 31, 2023
- Kent Early Release - Special Schedule - 1:13 p.m. Dismissal
Next Regular KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Here is a link to where you can find the agenda once posted. Access to the meeting will be in person or via audio.
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend in person or via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
KSD Board/District Committees
- LCAP Strategic Plan Advisory meeting: March 27, 4-5 p.m.
- If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
When to Stay Home
California Department of Public Health encourages all students and staff to test for COVID-19 IF they feel sick; AFTER exposure, travel, or large gatherings; and BEFORE events or visiting high-risk people.
Please know that our school offices have COVID tests available if needed. Thank you for your support.
Please reference this exposure notice for information on symptoms, communicability, and prevention. (English I Spanish).
Please keep your child home if they are sick. It's not too late to get your flu vaccine. Please contact our school nurse Laurel Yrun (lyrun@kentfieldschools.org) with any questions you may have about how to navigate illness and school this year.
Important Medi-Cal Information
State Launches Campaign to Help Californians Keep Medi-Cal Coverage
Starting in April, California will have 14 months to resume normal renewal processes for all Medi-Cal enrollees. The Department of Health Care Services has launched a statewide campaign with a new landing page, www.dhcs.ca.gov/pages/keep-your-medi-cal.aspx.
Enrollees who have moved or changed their phone number or email since 2020 need to update their contact information with Medi-Cal so they don’t miss alerts or notices about their renewal. Medi-Cal beneficiaries should update their information today by contacting Marin HHS Public Assistance at: 1-877-410-8817 or visit www.benefitscal.com.
Learn more about the DHCS campaign and the end of the continuous coverage requirement.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Community,
Thank you to those who attended the Bacich Principal Chat this morning. We had a productive conversation about several important topics. I appreciate your input and dedication to our school and community.
Bacich Readathon - Wednesday, March 23, 2023
We are excited for a day of reading activities and a celebration of reading during the Bacich Readathon this Wednesday. We will have a school-wide stuffy and pajama day. Students are encouraged, but not required, to wear pajamas to school on Wednesday. There will be guest authors, local celebrity readers, and reading-themed classroom activities. The visiting authors include Matt de la Pena, Axel Maisy, Ariana and Christina Amini, and Sabrina Moyle.
We also have a bookmark making contest and will select student winners at each grade level. There is a classroom contest for the classroom that has the highest percentage of students who have received at least one donation. The winning classroom will get a small prize from the KSPTA Readathon Committee. Please visit the donation website or the main readathon page for more information. Thank you to the KSPTA for coordinating this event and bringing some incredible authors to our school.
Ross Valley Little League and Kentfield Girls Softball Opening Day
I had the pleasure of attending the Ross Valley Little League (RVLL) and Kentfield Girls Softball (KGS) opening day parade and ceremony. It was a joy to see so many families in attendance to kick off the baseball and softball seasons. Seeing the athletes in their uniforms with smiles on their faces is a reminder of the importance of play.
A group of Bacich fourth graders were on hand to sing the national anthem under the direction of music teacher, Becky Poon and they were fantastic.
The baseball construction project is nearly complete and it will be nice to see our students practicing and playing games throughout the spring at Bacich. I appreciate the partnership between these community organizations and the KSD. It is through partnerships such as these that help our community thrive.
I hope you enjoy a fantastic week ahead.
With gratitude,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Yearbooks Now on Sale
The deadline to order is April 21 but prices go up on April 10 so don't delay! Order now at kspta.org!
If you cannot place an order online, paper forms will be available in the Bacich office and can be returned with payment to the folder in the office.
Yearbooks will be distributed in the classrooms at the end of the school year. A very limited number of extra yearbooks will be available for purchase at that time, but they will run out, so order yours today!
The KSPTA is committed to making sure that every student who wants a yearbook receives one, regardless of their ability to pay. Please contact Ivette Villarreal, KSD Community Family Liaison for confidential assistance. ivillarreal@kentfieldschools.org.
Family Math Nights
The Marin County Office of Education is hosting “Family Math Nights” for parents and caregivers of children, ages birth to 6 years. The virtual sessions are facilitated by Lisa Kaplan Shaanan from Early Education Equity. Spanish translation provided. The Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before the session.
Please join us on one or more of the following sessions on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration Link
- April 13
- May 11
- June 8
La Oficina de Educación del Condado de Marin está organizando "Noches Familiares de Matemáticas" para padres y cuidadores de niños, desde el nacimiento hasta los 6 años. Las sesiones virtuales son facilitadas por Lisa Kaplan Shaanan de Early Education Equity. Se ofrece traducción al español. El enlace de Zoom se le enviará por correo electrónico el día antes de la sesión.
Únase a nosotros en una o más de las siguientes sesiones los jueves de 6:30 p. m. a 7:30 p.m. Enlace de registro
- 13 de abril
- 11 de mayo
- 8 de junio
TK / Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Universal Transition Kindergarten Information Session Slides - Spanish and English
- Incoming Kindergarten students will need to turn 5 years of age by September 1, 2023.
- Incoming Universal Transitional Kindergarten students will need to turn 5 years of age between September 2, 2023 and April 2, 2024.
Bacich Library
March is a busy month at the Bacich Library! Don't miss the new Bacich Library Book Buzz March blog for book recommendations about Hindu "Festival of Color" known as "Holi," Ramadan, St. Patrick's Day, and Women's History Month, and a very long list of suggested March book-related activities. Lessons during class visits will include introductions to the nominees for the 2023 California Young Reader Medal.
bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Learn more about the library and search for books: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
Susan Warnick
Bacich Librarian
swarnick@kentfieldschools.org
Upcoming Bacich Events
2022-2023 Bacich Bell Schedule
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
- Bacich Readathon school-wide stuffy and pajama day
Kent Falcons News
Dear Kent Middle School Families,
Today marks the start of the third and final trimester of the 2022-2023 school year! Students explored new enrichment classes on their schedule, while we all considered personal and academic goals to accomplish over this final portion of the school year. Teachers are working to capture student progress achieved with essential learning targets during the second trimester, and look forward to sharing this information on your child’s second-trimester report card, available to families in Aeries on Friday, March 31.
Kent Readathon - This week we participate in the second annual Readathon week at Kent Middle School! Special activities for the week include daily reading time following study session, an author visit by world-renowned author Matt de la Peña on Wednesday, and lunchtime activities happening in the Kent Library each day of the week. This morning we celebrated the Peregrine House with a donut hole party at recess to honor their highest donation participation rate. Which Kent house will we honor next Monday?! Please visit the donation website or the main readathon page for more information on how to sponsor your child or another Kent student, in support of our KSPTA!
Open House at Kent - Please mark your calendars for the Kent Middle School Open House event next Thursday, March 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in our Kent classrooms. Open House at Kent is a tour of our school for our families, provided by your Kent student. The objective of Open House is for families to experience "a day in the life" of a Kent student, and student work and assignments on display in classrooms will reflect the typical learning experiences presented across our school daily. Your child will be your tour guide, charged with taking you on a self-paced tour of their school day and sharing essential learnings and typical activities from each of their classes. We ask that you set the expectation that your children stay with you for the duration of the Open House event, as we do not have adequate supervision for unstructured play outside, which can also present noise distractions in classrooms. We are excited to welcome students and parents on campus to experience the purposeful learning experiences that our students engage in daily!
The Lion King Performances - Our student actors and crew are hard at work preparing our spring musical The Lion King, and are looking forward to four performances of the show the week of April 3! Kent students will enjoy two school-day performances of the show on Thursday, April 6. There will be two evening performances available for students and families in our community to attend. Each event is free, however, due to limited capacity in the Kent MP Room we are requesting that families use the Eventbrite links below to reserve seats for the musical. It is certain to be a phenomenal show!
- Reserve a spot for the 5th/6th grade cast performance on April 5: www.eventbrite.com/e/594007702027
- Reserve a spot for the 7th/8th grade cast performance on April 6: www.eventbrite.com/e/594021764087
Let’s have a great first week of the third trimester, Falcons!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Library News
Readathon - This week we are celebrating reading and our PTA at Kent! This week, we will run a special schedule that supports daily reading for pleasure for all students and staff. On Wednesday, March 22 we welcome world-renowned author Matt de la Pena for two author visits at our school. Many Kent Falcons have read his books, and many participated in reading challenges last month and this month to read even more! Our Readathon schedule will include daily activities in the library including bookmark designing, book trivia, book chats, trivia Kahoot, and much much more! Thank you for your participation in the Kent Readathon and our KSPTA through your donation through 99Pledges. More information about how to get involved can be found on the Kentfield Schools Readathon Website. Much appreciation goes to our KSPTA for organizing this fun week of reading at our school!
Kent Volleyball Coach Needed for 8th Grade Boys
8th grade boys volleyball has arrived at Kent! We have several players ready to go, but one challenge remains, we need a coach to guide our 8th grade boys through our inaugural (experimental) season. The commitment would be one practice a week with games on Mondays, starting March 27 – yes, it's a quick turnaround! If you or anyone you know has an interest, please contact Ryan Palmer ASAP at rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org. Go Falcons!
Fall 2023 Cheerleading Tryouts
Rising 9th-12th graders.
April 26, 27, and 28; 4-6 p.m., Redwood Small Gym
Learn more here and view flyer.
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
- Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45-6 p.m., Kent Library
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
- Kent Full Day - Special Schedule - 3:28 p.m. dismissal
Thursday, March 30, 2023
- Kent Open House, 6-7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 2023
- Kent Early Release - Special Schedule - 1:13 p.m. dismissal
KIK News
DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Donate your Bid-Worthy Item by March 27! Most needed include:
1)* Take Us Down to the Paradise City… Do you have a getaway experience, hotel stay, Airbnb or VRBO home?
2)* They say golf is like… Knockin' on Heaven's Door…
Special Members-only Golf, Spa, Wine Tastings, and similar outings make for a One in a Million experience!
3)* Got Event Tickets? It's So Easy to donate them!
Bottlerock? Warriors? Special Events? We happily welcome event tickets and backstage passes!
4) Welcome to the Amazon Wishlist!
Just click, buy, contact Janine Spaulding (text/call 415-706-2289) to gift your item.
* Contact Allyson Peracca: (415) 686-1410
The KIK “SCHOOL OF ROCK” Spring Auction benefits all KSD students and over 30 enrichment programs.
ONLINE AUCTION: April 27 - May 4
PARTY + LIVE AUCTION: Bimbo’s 365 in San Francisco; Saturday, May 6 ~ Stay tuned for party details. Tickets on sale March 27!
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — UPDATE
We have reached over 85% of our annual $1M fundraising goal. Thank you to all of the families who have donated so far this school year. If you have not donated yet, we are counting on your support to reach our goal. Our annual $1M commitment goes directly into the school district's budget to fund crucial programs for our kids (PE, Art, Music, Library, Drama, and more). Let's KIK this together!
- DONATE NOW
- How much should I donate?
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $862,791 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 338 Family Giving Donors to date who are committed to our students and the programs they love! Can we add your name to this list?
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
KIK BUSINESS PARTNER + SPRING EVENT SPONSORS
WOODLANDS MARKET is proud to be a long time supporter of the KIK Spring Auction.
- Woodlands is your local, family-owned, independent grocery store and has been committed to being an essential part of the community.
- Make life simpler and order your Woodlands deli sandwiches and more online!
FUEL 24:7 | SHINEOLOGY CAR WASH
- For every gallon of gas sold at Fuel 24:7, a percentage is donated to Bacich and Kent. While you fill up, check out their Minute Mart.
Check out Shineology Car Wash for gas, a great car wash & detail.
KIK CALENDAR
SPRING AUCTION
APR 27 - MAY 4 - KIK School of Rock Online Auction
MAY 06 - Save the Date - School of Rock
KIK Spring Auction Event, Party at Bimbo’s 365 featuring Notorious
CONCERTS + LION KING Brought to You by KIK
APR 05 - Lion King Performance
APR 06 - Lion King Performance
APR 20 - 2nd Grade Family Concert - 6:30PM
MAY 11 - 1st Grade Family Concert - 6:30PM
MAY 25 - Kindergarten Family Concert - 8:30AM
DINE & DONATE
ORDER EVERY TUESDAY - $50 Dine & Donate
Left Bank KIK Family Meals — 20% of proceeds go to KIK. Opt in for a weekly order reminder.
- MAR 21 - Chicken Paella, Mixed Greens, & Steamed Broccoli
CONNECT WITH KIK
Love us and Follow us! Get the latest KIK updates!
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Next Meeting: April 7, 2023 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich (coffee social during the first 15 minutes)
Kentfield Schools Readathon Fundraiser Launches March 5th
Thank you for your support of the KSPTA READATHON!
Bacich - Wednesday, March 22 -Guest authors, local celebrity readers, and reading-themed activities will fill this special Readathon day. We anticipate each student will read approximately 200 minutes on Readathon day. Bacich students may wear pajamas and bring a stuffy to school on Wednesday, March 22.
Kent - week of March 20 - Author visits, reading lounges, and dedicated reading time will occur throughout the week. Extra special reading events will take place on Wednesday, March 22.
Donations
We are thrilled to share that more than 340 students have received donations. The last day to donate is Friday, March 24! Get your donations in today!
Book Recommendations
Is your child looking for their next great book to enjoy during the Readathon? Check out our list of favorite books compiled by our beloved teachers.
Remember, for all things Readathon, check out our website.
If you love to read and want to get involved? Please email readathon@kspta.org.
First Annual Bookmark Design Contest!
We are launching our first-ever bookmark design contest! The contest is open to all students and you may enter as many times as you would like.
Starting today, forms will be available in your student's classroom or can be downloaded here. We can’t wait to see your original designs celebrating reading!
Save the Date!
Please join the KSPTA on Thursday, April 27 at International Orange for an evening of shopping, light bites, and prizes! More info and tickets to come! Proceeds will benefit the KSPTA.
Save the Date!
5th and 6th Game Night
Friday, April 28, 6-8 p.m.
More details to come!
Back by popular demand, the Marin County Office of Education is hosting “Top TIPS for Supporting Kids in Times of Uncertainty and Stress” with author and national speaker Julie Kurtz. Her expertise in training on trauma and resilience promotes the concept of optimal brain integration maximizing the growth of our best selves.
Please join us on one or both of the following sessions:
- Middle/High School Age | March 21, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Birth to age 6 | March 23, 2023, 6-7 p.m. Registration Link | Session in English
Registration Link | Sessions in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation.
SPANISH:
Regreso por demanda popular, la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Marin está recibiendo “CONSEJOS para apoyar a los Niños en tiempos de Incertidumbre y Estrés” con la autora y oradora nacional Julie Kurtz. Su experiencia en entrenamiento en trauma y resiliencia promueve el concepto de integración cerebral óptima que maximiza el crecimiento de nuestros mejores seres.
Por favor únase a nosotros en una o ambas de las siguientes sesiones:
- Edad de la Escuela Intermedia / Secundaria | 21 de marzo de 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
Enlace de registro | Sesiones en Inglés con interpretación simultánea al Español.
Register Now: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents with Dr. Lisa Damour
March 29, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m. PST
Marin County Office of Education Office, 1111 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael
Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Lisa Damour co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about adolescents for the New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, and works in collaboration with UNICEF. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls, and the soon-to-be-published book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents.
- Addresses the fact that adolescent mental health isn't about feeling good, calm, or relaxed, but about having the right feelings at the right times, and knowing how to manage those feelings effectively
- Offers guidance to adults on how to help teens open up, and how to keep teens from being overwhelmed by their emotions or feeling at the mercy of their moods
- Provides concrete strategies for dealing with teens’ arguments, risk-taking, emerging romantic lives, friendships, social media, and more
Sponsored by the KSPTA and the Marin County of Education
Stay up to date with KSPTA!
Follow kentfieldschoolspta on both Facebook and Instagram
Community News
Information, events, and news provided in our newsletter's "Community News" is offered as service to our community, and are not sponsored by the Kentfield School District. Placement does not represent an endorsement.
Free Family Nature Day
Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Richardson Bay Audubon, Tiburon
Join WildCare in partnership with Richardson Bay Audubon for a Family Nature Day honoring Elizabeth Terwilliger. earn about our local wildlife “Mrs. T-style!” Go on a naturalist-led hike, dissect an owl pellet, create a wildlife-themed craft, take the scavenger hunt challenge, use spotting scopes to watch birds from the patio of the historic Lyford House, meet live non-releasable wildlife, and much more. Bring a picnic to enjoy, or buy lunch from the food truck. Other organizations attending and offering activities are Friends of China Camp, Marin County Parks, Marin Humane, One Tam’s Roving Ranger, Sonoma Wildlife Rescue, and The Marine Mammal Center.
- Learn more here.
Through March 26, 2023
A fundraiser benefiting your school!
Shop at any Sloat Garden Center location during your school’s Growing up Green week, mention your school, and your school will receive 10% of purchases back in the form of a Sloat gift card, which can go towards your school’s beautification projects, fundraisers or classroom activities. The school with the highest participation will receive 20% of purchases back. Please note: Purchase of gift cards do not apply.
Just mention your school to the cashier!
2023 Marin Teen Girls Conference
Registration is now open!
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites: 101 McInnis Pkwy, San Rafael
The Marin Teen Girl Conference is a Marin Women’s Commission event. The conference is put on by Marin teen girls in grades 8-12 for Marin teen girls grades 8-12.
The ultimate goal of the Marin Teen Girl Conference is to help create solutions for improving the lives of teen girls in Marin County. This conference gives the girls the tools, resources, ideas, and support to empower the young women of our county. A group of 20+ Teen Girl Ambassadors guide the development of the conference topics and format, making it the only conference created “BY teen girls FOR teen girls”. The conference empowers and inspires teen girls to be leaders in their own lives and in their communities.
Marin Summer Camp Fair
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
The 11th FREE Marin Camp Fair sponsored by Stanford Medicine Children's Health returns to San Rafael on Sunday, March 26, with free activities and dozens of exhibitors allowing attendees to view a smorgasbord of camps, enrichment programs, schools, performing arts, S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs, preschools, cooking, educational, sports and other programs available this spring and summer.
Film Screening & Community Discussion
Tuesday, March 28, 7 p.m.
Film screening of Our America: Lowballed at the Tam High Student Center with a community discussion following the film with Paul Austin & Tenisha Tate-Austin who are not only the subjects of the movie but a Tam High family as well. This event is for parents & students!
Our America: Lowballed is a documentary that exposes racial bias in the home appraisal process. This film covers the topic of a modern form of real estate redlining through undervaluing homes owned by people of color and the impact that has on their finances and lives.
Open Mic Night: March 31
Friday, March 31, 2023, 5 p.m., Cup O'Karma
Students in the Marin Organizing for Racial Equity, a youth-based group dedicated to upholding equity in Marin are organizing an open mic night on March 31 at Cup O'Karma in San Rafael.
This is an opportunity for young people throughout the county to share music and poetry, and have a safe space for expression.
Free Family Dance
How Do You Dance? Free Family Dance with Luna Dance Institute
Families and their young children join Luna Dance virtually for some fun and joyful movement activities.
- Saturdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. on April 22, May 6, and June 3
- Spanish translation available
- Registration Link: forms.gle/yB73bG2ywRgsLFA59. A Zoom link will be sent out prior to the event.
¿Cómo bailas? Baile Familiar Gratis con Luna Dance Institute
Las familias y sus niños pequeños se unen virtualmente a Luna Dance para disfrutar de algunas actividades de movimiento divertidas y alegres.
- Sábados, 9:30-10:15 a.m. el 22 de abril, 6 de mayo y 3 de junio
- Traducción al español disponible
- Enlace de registro: forms.gle/yB73bG2ywRgsLFA59. Enlace de zoom enviado por correo electrónico antes del evento.
Larkspur Library Touch Trucks Event
Opportunities
Homework Helpers: Multi-subject support for grades 3-10.
Drop in for FREE help from local high school students! Every Saturday at the Corte Madera Library from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Please visit this link to sign up for when and what you need help with!
Homework Helpers: Multi-temas de support para grados 3-10.
¡Entra para recibir ayuda GRATIS de estudiantes secundarios locales! Cada Sábado en la biblioteca Corte Madera de 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Por favor visita este enlace para registrarse paracuando y para qué necesita ayuda.
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Crisis Text Support Line
Marin County is offering our youth another means of confidential mental health support through a crisis text line that is available 24/7.
Text MARIN to 741741 for Support that Cares.
Marin Health Hubs
Health hubs, provides free and bilingual services such as food distribution, nutrition education, health screenings, and information about community organizations. Everyone is welcome to attend the health hubs food pantry and to help us run it!
Parent & Youth.Helpline
This free helpline provides free trauma-informed, evidenced-based emotional support to parents, children and youth in any language via calls, text, live chat, and email.
- Available 7 days a week from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Parents can join a Weekly Online Support Group through the website: caparentyouthhelpline.org.
- Helpline #: 855-427-2736